1) As JVC has discontinued its TH-BA3, believe it or not, there is no another true 5.1 soundbar on the market besides Vizio VHT510.

2) There are a few 3.1 soundbars available within the price range, such as Sharp HTSB500 and Sony HTCT150. But none of them and even those more expensive ones will be able to deliver the same satisfactory surround sound as what VHT510 can provide.

Hate to be that guy who suggests going HTIB in a soundbar thread, but...Onkyo and Yamaha make some decent 5.1 sets for at, or around your budget. I understand the need to eliminate the wires and clutter sometimes, and go the bar route.

I owned both the Vizio 510 and the JVC BA-3 at the same time , and the JVC was slightly better if I had to pick a favorite. The JVC was plagued with a volume jump defect that was even worse than the annoying Vizio led problem. Ended up returning both in the end to look for other options.

For 3.1 I would suggest the Sony ct-350, which I went to after returning the 5.1 systems. Very solid sound and sleek design.

Any recommendations for an apartment living room, average size, rectangular, with four walls and the system being place along the shorter wall? Is the $100 difference between CT150 and VHT215 worth it?

Alright, so after a bit of research here are my choices:
Vizio VHT510 - ~$320
Sony CT150 - ~$220
Vizio VHT215 - ~$300
Any recommendations for an apartment living room, average size, rectangular, with four walls and the system being place along the shorter wall? Is the $100 difference between CT150 and VHT215 worth it?

If a feeling of surround is important, go with the VHT 510. Otherwise, the Sony is probably equal to or better thant the VHT215 and costs less. Ultimate volume on the Sony is less than on either of the Vizio units if that is a criteria.

The Vizio 215 sounds very good and was being sold for $199 at Sam's and Costco. But I too am disappointed that Vizio has delayed their previously announced new 5.1 version, as the 510 is harder to find now, except for maybe a few wayward Walmarts somewhere.

The Vizio 215 sounds very good and was being sold for $199 at Sam's and Costco. But I too am disappointed that Vizio has delayed their previously announced new 5.1 version, as the 510 is harder to find now, except for maybe a few wayward Walmarts somewhere.

Walmart carries VHT510 online for $280 now. Shipping is free for picking it up at any local store...

The Vizio 510 looks interesting, but I'm trying to figure out how appropriate it is for my old Mitsubishi HDTV. My Mitsubishi has a digital audio out (as well as component out), whereas the Vizio seems to have an optical and a component input. I want to make sure that I can pass a 5.1 signal from my TV to the Vizio.

Also, I read somewhere that, that there will be a new Vizio 5.1 system this year, hopefully with rear speakers like the 510. Does anyone have any further information on this?

It appears, in this price range, that the 510 will produce a much fuller sound than the Yamaha ATS 1010.